Skip to main content
Shop Merch Add a Show Listing
My Shows
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!
#1

Unknown RENT words !

Ok, I am finally coming out and asking for some help. Since English is not my primary language, for years I was puzzled about a couple of words in RENT. I now feel at ease of asking my friends here, without the fear of sounding ignorant. Could someone please tell me what does "Bah humbug" and "Bustello" mean ?
#2

re: Unknown RENT words !

Bustelo is coffee


Humbug in the sense of "hoax, jest" is first attested in 1751 in student slang. Its etymology is unknown. Its present meaning as an exclamation is closer to "nonsense, gibberish", while a humbug means "a fraud, an impostor". The exclamation "Bah, humbug!" has become associated with Ebenezer Scrooge and a dismissive attitude towards Christmas.

#3

re: Unknown RENT words !

Okay, I'm gonna add to this what's "mecurachrome" (sp?), as in "the nurse took him home for some mecurachrome"....... I've always been wondering.
#4

re: Unknown RENT words !

Mercurochrome (also known as merbromin) is a topical antiseptic. Its antiseptic qualities were discoverd by Johns Hopkins doctor Hugh Young in 1919. The chemical soon became popular among parents and doctors for everyday antiseptic uses, mostly in tincture form. The FDA banned its distribution in the United States in the 1990s over fears of mercury poisoning. It is readily available in most other countries.

It is also used as a chemical dye for its bright red color.

Chemically, mercurochrome is C20H8Br2HgNa2O6, name dibromohydroxymercurifluorescein.

#5

re: Unknown RENT words !

So that would support the movie taking place from 89-90 wouldn't it.
#6

re: Unknown RENT words !

Forget-regret.net has something that might be helpful to you, GMF. It lists a lot of the references throughout the show -- some of the stuff is very obvious, but some is also helpful for people who are too young to remember certain things, who aren't native to NYC, or who aren't native English speakers.


Rent-o-Pedia
A work of art is an invitation to love.
#8

re: Unknown RENT words !

CAFE BUSTELO .. a very popular coffee used by the latino community here in NY. Also the number 1 used coffee in Puerto Rico.
#9

re: Unknown RENT words !

Mercurochrome wasn't outlawed by the FDA until 1998. Why I know that is beyond me.
Like a firework unexploded
Wanting life but never knowing how
#10

re: Unknown RENT words !

Mercurichrome was that awful orange liquid you put on minor cuts. It stained your skin for a few days.
#12

re: Unknown RENT words !

Thanks a lot, guys. I didn't know mercurochrom was banned in the U.S. It is still very widely used here in Greece and considered the best for cuts. But the new ones fortunately don't stain the skin for long.
#14

re: Unknown RENT words !

oo i remember that.. why was it banned in the US?

I belive that there were some concerns about it causing mercury poisoning.
Who's stoned? I am merely travelling incognito.
#15

re: Unknown RENT words !

oh darn, mercury poisoining is my favorite!

#16

re: Unknown RENT words !

"Mercurichrome was that awful orange liquid you put on minor cuts. It stained your skin for a few days."

I thought that was iodine?
#17

re: Unknown RENT words !

I always wondered what that word was. Thanks!
"I wish the stage were as narrow as the wire of a tightrope dancer, so that no incompetent would dare step upon it." Goethe
#18

re: Unknown RENT words !

I am almost sure that iodine and mercurochrom are the same thing !
#20

re: Unknown RENT words !

"I am almost sure that iodine and mercurochrom are the same thing !"

Nope, not the same,

Mercurochrome was removed from the market because it posed a safety hazard if accidentally swallowed by small children.
"Smart! And into all those exotic mystiques -- The Kama Sutra and Chinese techniques. I hear she knows more than seventy-five. Call me tomorrow if you're still alive!"

BroadwayWorld TV


Ticket Central
Hot Show
Tickets From $59
Hot Show
Tickets From $70
Hot Show
Tickets From $59
Hot Show
Tickets From $101